Welfare Reform Bill

Obviously it would have been preferable if the Minister had said unequivocally that this matter will not be left to local discretion, but it is clear that I am not going to get that reassurance. However, the noble Lord has said quite a lot on record that he is committed to trying to resolve the needs of this particular group. Perhaps I may borrow a phrase from the noble Lord, Lord Newton, in a previous debate: I will hold the Minister’s feet to the fire on this issue. On that basis, I agree to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 60B withdrawn. Amendment 61 not moved. Amendment 61ZA had been retabled as Amendment 58D. Amendments 61ZB to 61A not moved. Clause 98 : Payments to joint claimants Amendment 61B Clause 98 : Payments to joint claimants Amendment 61B Moved by